Credit card holder

ABSTRACT

The credit card holder includes a string of independent, transparent envelopes interconnected by flexible tapes. The tape arrangement permits the envelopes to hang vertically and by rotating the upper end envelope laterally through a half turn, each of the successive depending envelopes is rotated in sequence so that front and rear faces are juxtaposed throughout the string. The tape arrangement also permits the folding of the envelopes into a compact, closed condition in which each envelope may be rotated about a common end and the faces of each envelope may thereby be viewed consecutively. A cover holds the envelopes together in the folded condition and facilitates manipulation of the upper end envelope in the vertically extended condition.

United States Patent 2,228,378 1/194r Whitcomb Philip S. Thomas 2,694,429 ll/l954 Berger ABSTRACT: The credit card holder includes a string of independent, transparent envelopes interconnected by flexible tapes. The tape arrangement permits the envelopes to hang vertically and by rotating the upper end envelope laterally through a half turn, each of the successive depending envelopes is rotated in sequence so that front and rear faces are juxtaposed throughout the string. The tape arrangement also permits the folding of the envelopes into a compact, closed condition in which each envelope may be rotated about a common end and the faces of each envelope may thereby be viewed consecutively. A cover holds the envelopes together in the folded condition and facilitates manipulation of the upper end envelope in the vertically extended condition.

. reactionof rotating ucneuircAnn-nonnsn BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION This invention relates ingeneral to a foldout container for displaying cards of an identifying nature, and in particularto a pocket-size holder having the character of a billfold for credit cards, membership cards and other documents of asimilar size. Foldoutcontainers in the prior artfall generally into two categories: those which comprise a plurality of transparent envelopes formed from a continuous 'double thickness strip. heat sealed at intervals "to form the individual envelopes and those double display.ofback-to-back cards. However,-.because of n theusual ho'lder. the transparent envelope used permits ,a

tending across each envelope except the upper end envelope.

in the first open condition; and each envelope except the lower end envelope in the second open condition. One of the tape means includes a first set of vertically aligned tape elements passing over the front face of alternate envelopes and a secondset of vertically aligned tape elements passing over the rear. face of adjacent alternateenvelopes. The other tape means includes a first set of vertically aligned tape elements passing over the front face of alternate envelopes, and a fourth set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passes over the rear face of adjacent alternate envelopes. Each tape elemer t passes over one face of an envelope and is attached to i the manner'of pages of a book, front and rear faces of each envelope being viewed consecutively.

the continuous end-to-end connection'between adjacent en- I velopes, only one facejof each envelope is;visible as the foldout is leafed through. The envelopes must beturn'ed over and leafed through oncemore to view the other face of each envelope/u. v d i swam i emati I I Thefoldout'container of this invention includes flexible, ino terconnecting tape elements which provide a direct connection between abutting edges of adjacent envelopesf 5 The envelopesrnaybe held vertically in anopen condition and simply by rotatingthe upper envelopela half mm about a lateral axis, each of the subjacent envelopes is rotated consecutively and automatically, until each envelope is jux taposed and the rear faces are displayed.

-ln"the folded conditiom the string of interconnected envelopcsrnay' beleafed through like pages of a book and each face of adjacent envelopes may be viewed consecutively! The holder includes a string of independent, transparent envelopes adapted to display credit cards. The envelopes are im te -connected by first andasecond tape means, the arrangement of which permits the envelopes to be folded together into overlying relation to form a compact unit, or to be held in a strung out condition in which'theenvelopes are'jdisposed edge-to-edge substantially vertically in an open condition. Two open conditionsare possible. in the first. the front face of each envelope is displayed and'in the second, the rear face if each envelope is displayed.

In the first open condition, a first tape means interconnects the top edges of adjacent envelopes and a second tape means interconnects the bottom edges of adjacent envelopes. When i the envelopes are held in the strung out condition, rotation of the upper end envelope about a lateral axis causes a chain the other envelopes 'sequentially from the first open condition to the second open condition.

A cover, including a back and adjacentside panels, holds the envelopes in the closed. folded condition. The upper end envelope is attached to the back of the "cover, and the side BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING I FIG. lis a perspective vicw of the credit card holder illustrating the envelopesin an open condition;

FIG. 2 i sa perspective view of the credit card holder illusta ken'on lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged side CICVillIOllllI view partly in cross section. taken on lines 4-4of FIG. I;

I FIG/5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the credit card holder in the folded condition, and

1 FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 1 and is an exploded view illustrating a modified connection of the cover to the upper end e velope. 7

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by characters of reference to the drawing andfirst toFIG. 1. it will be understood that the credit card holder includes a string 10 of independent. yet interconnected. transparent envelopes. The string 10 includes a plurality of transparent envelopes 11 through 16. It will be un derstood that the device is not limited tosix envelopes and this number is shown merely by way of illustration.

Eachof'theenvelopes 11 through 16 includes associated front and rear faces. The front and rear faces, for convenience. are referred to by the referencenumeral denoting the envelope, together with the suffix a or b respectively.

Each of the envelopes 11 through 16 includes an opening tape arrangement constituting first and second tape means, to

panels may be bent forwardly over the compact, folded envelope unit and fastened together to'maintain the envelopes in the folded condition. The side panels of the cover may also be bent backwardlyto a digital grip position to facilitate manipulation of the upper end envelope between the first and second open conditions of the envelope string. In orderto facilitate the bending of the cover, the side panels are hingedly attached to the back. The upper endenvelope is preferably detachably attached to the back of the cover.

Thefirst tape means includes a plurality of individual tapes.

extending across each envelope except for the lower end envelope in the first open condition; and each envelope except forthe upper end envelope. in the second open condition. The second tape means includes a plurality of individual tapes expermit each envelope to fold freely against each adjacent envelope in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5. The side panels 33 V of the'cover 30 are adapted to be folded over the compact envelope unit.

y A plurality of individual tapes constituting the first tape means interconnects the top edges of adjacent envelopes in a first open condition as illustrated in FIG. 1, and includes first andsecond sets of tapes. The first set of tapes comprises substantially centrally aligned single tapes 20, 21 and 22, each tape having an elongate portion passing freely over the front faces respectively of alternate envelopes ll, 13 and 15; and

end portions attached to the rear lfaces respectively of envelopes 11, l2; l3, l4; and l5, 16. The second set of tapes comprises substantially aligned pairs. of tapes 23 and 24, each such tape having an elongate portion passing freely over the rear faces respectively of envelopes 12 and 14, and end portions attached to the front faces respectively of envelopes 12, 13', and 14, 15.

A plurality of individual tapes constituting the second tape means interconnects the bottom edges of adjacent envelopes in a first open position as illustrated in FIG. 1. and includes third and fourth sets of tape. The third set of tapes comprises substantially aligned pairs of tapes 25, 26 and 27, each such tape having an elongate portion passing freely over the front faces respectively of envelopes 12, 14 and I6. and end portions attached to the rear faces respectively of envelopes ll, 12; 13. 14: and l5. 16. The fourth set of tapes comprises substantiall centrally aligned single tapes 28 and 29, each such tape having an elongate portion passing freely over the rear faces respectively of envelopes l3 and 15, and end portions attached to the front faces respectively ofenvelopes 12, 13; and 14, 15.

Typical tape arrangements are clearly illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is to be understood that although FIG. 3 specifically illustrates an elevation on envelope 12, FIG. I, like elevations on envelope 14, FIG. 1 and envelopes l3 and 15, FIG. 2 would illustrate a similar tape arrangement to that shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, FIG. 4'specifically illustrates a sectional elevation on envelope 13, FIG. 1. However, like elevations on envelopes 15, FIG. 1 and envelopes 12 and 14, FIG. 2 would illustrate a similar tape arrangement.

FIG. 1 illustrates the envelopes and the string in a first open condition wherein the front face of each envelope is presented for viewing. Because of the arrangement of tapes described above. the rotation of the first end envelope 11 in a clockwise direction, as shown by the arrows, through a half turn causes a chain reaction rearrangement of the tapes. In consequence of the chain reaction arrangement of the tapes, each of the succeeding envelopes is released and rotated in sequence through a half turn. The envelopes are thus juxtaposed into a reversed position so that the rear face of each is presented for view. The string 10 is then in a second open condition as shown in FIG. 2.

In the second open condition, because of the rotation of each envelope, the tapes of the first tape means, which formerly connected the upper ends of adjacent envelopes, now connect the lower ends of adjacent envelopes. Likewise, the tapes of the second tape means now connect the upper ends of adjacent envelopes. In other words, the first and second sets of tapes 20, 21, 22; and 23, 24 respectively now extend across the face of superjacent envelopes relative to the first open condition. Also, the third and fourth sets of tapes 25, 26, 27; and 28, 29 respectively now extend across subjacent en velopes relative to the first open condition.

The cover 30 to which the first end envelope 11 is attached includes a back panel 31 and side panels 32 and 33. The side panels 32 and 33 overlap in the closed position as may be ascertained from a consideration of FIG. 5. The side panels 32 and 33 are provided with interfitting snap fasteners 35 and 36 to facilitate the holding together of the envelopes as a compact, folded unit in the closed condition. In the preferred embodiment, the side panels 32 and 33 are connected to the back 31 by piano-type hinges 34. This form of connection facilitates the bending of the side panels 32 and 33 backwards to a position where they may be conveniently gripped digitally. When thus heid, the cover 30 and the attached first end envelope 11 may easily be oscillated through the half turns by a flick of the wrist.

The first end envelope 11 may be attached by an adhesive means to the cover 30. If the cover 30 is of the same material as the envelopes, it may even be heat sealed into an integral I end envelope 11. The attachment element 41 includes bendable tabs 42, and in the embodiment shown, both vertical sides of the end envelope 11 are open sufficiently to allow the tabs 42 to project therefrom. By threading each of the tabs 42 to an associated loop 37, the attachment of the end envelope 11 to the cover 30 is quickly accomplished.

FIG. 5 illustrates the credit card holder in a partially folded condition. It will be observed that the tape arrangement is such that each envelope, as for example, envelope 14, may be turned about a common end as though it were a page in a book. Each face of the envelopes may thus be viewed in sequence and. in the usual case where a pair of credit cards is placed back-to-back in each envelope, this means that every credit card may be observed as the envelopes are leafed through successively. In the usual foldout of continuous envelopes, this is not possible. All of the front faces ofa string of envelopes must be leafed through first, and then the process must be reversely repeated to view all of the rear faces.

Further, although in FIG. 5, the envelopes are shown as though the leafing process were from left to right, with the right side acting, as it were, as the spine of a book, the leafing could just as well be commenced from right to left. In such a case, the left side of the folded unit" would act as the book spine. Whichever way is chosen, both faces of each envelope will be viewed consecutively as with pages ofa book.

It is thought that the functional advantages of this credit card holder will have become fully apparent from the foregoing description of parts, but for completeness of disclosure, the usage of the holder will be briefly described.

Each transparent envelope of the string 10 is of a size to accommodate preferably at least two credit cards 40 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It will be understood, of course, that only the front face of the end envelope 11 will be cxposable when a cover 30 is provided.

The tapes which interconnect the independent envelopes are of a sufficiently flexible material so that when the cover 30 is opened, the string of envelopes will fall into a substantially vertical relationship as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the ordinary folder of continuous envelopes, the reverse face of each envelope is presented by rotating the string about its vertical axis. With the arrangement of tapes illustrated in FIG. 1, however, a flick of the wrist rotating the cover 30 and attached end envelope 11 about a lateral axis sets off a chain reaction which automatically reverses each envelope in succession.

When it is desired to leaf through the envelopes individually, the cover 30 may be opened by unsnapping the overlapping side panels 32 and 33, and the front and rear faces of each envelope viewed consecutively as illustrated in FIG. 5 by turning each envelope exactly as though it were a page in a book.

I claim:

1. A holder for credit cards and the like comprising:

a. a plurality of independent, transparent envelopes the envelopes being adapted to display credit cards;

b. means interconnecting the envelopes in overlying rela tion in a closed, folded condition and in substantial edgeto-edge relation in a first open condition, the interconnected envelopes having a first end envelope and an op posite second end envelope, said interconnecting means including: 7 1. a first tape means interconnecting the top edges of adjacent envelopes in the first open condition; and 2. a second tape means interconnecting the bottom edges of adjacent envelopes in the first open condition;

c. the first open condition displaying the front fact of each envelope; and

d. rotation of end end envelope about a lateral axis while in the first open condition causing a chain reaction of flipping each successive adjacent envelope to a second,

. open condition displaying the rear face of each envelope.

2. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which:

e. the envelopes are rotatable about a common end while in the closed condition so that the face of each envelope may be viewed consecutively.

first end envelopefrom the first open condition to the second open condition.

4. A credit card holder as defined inclairn 3. in which: f. the cover meansincludes front portions disposed in overlapping relation in the closed condition and bendable back to a digital grip position in-the open condition: I 5. A creditcard holder as defined in claim 1. in which: e. cover means holds the envelopes together in the closed condition, the cover means including a back portion and adjacent side panels hingedly attached to the back portiomand. a the back portion being detachedly attached to thefirst end envelope, and the side panels being bendable back to a a digital grip position in the open condition.

A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which:

e. the first tape means extends across each envelope except the second end envelope in the first open condition and each envelope except the first endenvelope in the second open condition, and the second tape means extends across'each envelope except the first end envelope in the firstopen condition and each envelope except the second end envelope in the second open condition. y 7 .'A credit card holder as defined in claim 1. in which: e. one of said tape means includes: i

l. a first set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passing over the front face of alternate envelopes; and I v Y 2. a second set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passing over the rear face of intennediate, alternate envelopes;

8. A credit card holder as defined in claim 7, in which: f. the other of said tape means includes:

l. a third set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passing over the front face of alternate envelopes; and

2. a fourth set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passing over the rear face of intermediate al ternate envelopesi 9. A credit card holder as defined in claim 7.in which:

f. tape elements passing over one face 'ot'an envelope arc attached to the other face of that envelope and the other face of an adjacent envelope at the edges of said other faces. i

10. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which:

e. each of said tape means includes alternating single and double tape elements in the first and second open condition. the single tape elements being disposed substantially centrally of the double tape elements.

ll. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1 in which:

d. the first tape means in the first open condition includes:

1. a first set of substantially vertically'aligned single tape elements passing over the front face of alternate envelopes and attached to the rear face of those envelopes and the rear face of subadjacent envelopes; and

2. a second set of substantially vertically aligned pairs of tape elements passing over the rear face of alternate envelopes, and attached to the front face of those envelopes and the front face of subjacent envelopes;

f. the second tape means in the first open condition includes:

l. a third set of substantially vertically aligned pairs of tape elements passing over the front face of alternate envelopes and attached to the rear face of those envelopes and the rear face of superjacent envelopes, and a fourth set of substantially vertically aligned single tape elements passing overtlhe rear face of alternate envelopes, and attached to the front face of those en- 7 velopes and the front face of superjacent envelopes. 

1. A holder for credit cards and the like comprising: a. a plurality of independent, transparent envelopes the envelopes being adapted to display credit cards; b. means interconnecting the envelopes in overlying relation in a closed, folded condition and in substantial edge-to-edge relation in a first open condition, the interconnected envelopes having a first end envelope and an opposite second end envelope, said interconnecting means including:
 1. a first tape means interconnecting the top edges of adjacent envelopes in the first open condition; and
 2. a second tape means interconnecting the bottom edges of adjacent envelopes in the first open condition; c. the first open condition displaying the front fact of each envelope; and d. rotation of end end envelope about a lateral axis while in the first open condition causing a chain reaction of flipping each successive adjacent envelope to a second, open condition displaying the rear face of each envelope.
 2. a second tape means interconnecting the bottom edges of adjacent envelopes in the first open condition; c. the first open condition displaying the front fact of each envelope; and d. rotation of end end envelope about a lateral axis while in the first open condition causing a chain reaction of flipping each successive adjacent envelope to a second, open condition displaying the rear face of each envelope.
 2. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: e. the envelopes are rotatable about a common end while in the closed condition so that the face of each envelope may be viewed consecutively.
 2. a fourth set of substantially vertically aligned single tape elements passing over the rear face of alternate envelopes, and attached to the front face of those envelopes and the front face of superjacent envelopes.
 2. a second set of substantially vertically aligned pairs of tape elements passing over the rear face of alternate envelopes, and attached to the front face of those envelopes and the front face of subjacent envelopes; f. the second tape means in the first open condition includes:
 2. a fourth set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passing over the rear face of intermediate, alternate envelopes;
 2. a second set of substantially vertically aligned tape elements passing over the rear face of intermediate, alternate envelopes;
 3. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: e. cover means holds the envelopes together in the closed condition, the cover means including a back portion attached to the first envelope to facilitate rotation of the first end envelope from the first open condition to the second open condition.
 4. A credit card holder as defined in claim 3, in which: f. the cover means includes front portions disposed in overlapping relation in the closed condition and bendable back to a digital grip position in the open condition.
 5. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: e. cover means holds the envelopes together in the closed condition, the cover means including a back portion and adjacent side panels hingedly attached to the back portion; and f. the back portion being detachedly attached to the first end envelope, and the side panels being bendable back to a digital grip position in the open condition.
 6. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: e. the first tape means extends across each envelope except the second end envelope in the first open condition and each envelope except the first end envelope in the second open condition, and f. the second tape means extends across each envelope except the first end envelope in the first open condition and each envelope except the second end envelope in the second open condition.
 7. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: e. one of said tape means includes:
 8. A credit card holder as defined in claim 7, in which: f. the other of said tape means includes:
 9. A credit card holder as defined in claim 7, in which: f. tape elements passing over one face of an envelope are attached to the other face of that envelope and the other face of an adjacent envelope at the edges of said other faces.
 10. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: e. each of said tape means includes alternating single and double tape elements in the first and second open condition, the single tape Elements being disposed substantially centrally of the double tape elements.
 11. A credit card holder as defined in claim 1, in which: d. the first tape means in the first open condition includes: 